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Criminals to become paid apprentices

YOUNG criminals are to be offered paid apprenticeships as an alternative to prison under plans to tackle overcrowding in jails.

The proposals, endorsed by Cathy Jamieson, the justice minister, will allow those facing sentences of up to six months to opt instead for traineeships in carpentry, bricklaying and plumbing.

Those who breached conditions imposed by the courts, by failing to turn up for work, being repeatedly late or committing further offences, would be sent to jail to serve out their sentences.

Architects of the scheme believe that it will prevent thousands of young criminals from becoming trapped in a cycle of crime and prison by providing them with the opportunity to pursue a career.

Scotland has one of Europe’s highest recidivism rates with 60% of those released from jail reoffending within two years. Its 15 prisons are housing 7,300 prisoners at present, 12% more than they were designed to hold.